Minutes Sacred Heart School Sandgate Parents & Friends Association General Meeting Tuesday 11 November 2014 1. MEETING OPENING The meeting was opened at 7pm by Jim Murdoch who invited Sister Teresa to say a prayer. 2. ATTENDANCE Tina Rostron, Selena Rowley, Luke Norman, Troy Brannelly, Mick Every, Jill Every, Paula Robbins, Maria Olsson, Ken Olsson, Angela Hennessy, Shinara Auld, Fiona Carson, Sheree Todoreskov, Andrew Halliday, Michael Bernard, Therese Gunn, Sr Teresa Ekerick, Madonna McGreevy, Gerald Shegog, Anthony Walsh, Chris Simpson, Karen Schlort, Scott Watson, Cherlyn Connell, Sandra Robertson, Raeleigh Waddell, Stuart Bettington, Joanne McNamara, Lou Youngman, Megan Kay, Paul Kay, Deion Garvey, Jacqui McKeering, Madonna Whillans, Jim Murdoch. 3. APOLOGIES Catherine Murdoch, Angela Crowe, Lee-Anne Kerr, Selene Fanning. 4. MINUTES OF THE GENERAL MEETING OF 14 OCTOBER 2014 4.1 Adoption of the Minutes Jim Murdoch asked if there were any comments regarding the minutes of the previous meeting, which were circulated to attendees and those who provided their apologies, and published on the school website. There were none. Moved: Mick Every Seconded: Cherlyn Connell that the minutes of the P&F General Meeting of 14 October 2014 be adopted. Carried. 4.2 Business arising from the Minutes Jim Murdoch asked if there was any business arising from the minutes of the previous meeting. There was none. 5. REPORTS TO THE MEETING 5.1 Executive Reports 1
5.1.1 Principal Gerald Shegog provided a written report, copy attached. 5.1.2 President Jim Murdoch advised that he had been in discussions with Paul Kay regarding meeting to conduct a handover to ensure a smooth transition for the P&F Executive of 2015. 5.1.3 Treasurer Madonna Whillans advised the following: Cheque account balance: $44,082 Online Saver account balance: $25,043 No major expenses anticipated for the remainder of the year. There are some Tuckshop invoices to come. Shinara Auld advised that the laptop for the Treasurer has been ordered, delivery has been delayed. 5.2 Sub-committee Reports 5.2.1 Uniform Shop Prior to the meeting Selene Fanning advised that $9,401.45 had been received from Flexischool sales and cash sales since the last meeting. Angela Hennessy advised that most of the ordered stock had been received, sales had been going well and the backpack was a popular item. Sales at the orientation day were strong; in one hour $4,800 was taken via ipad sales and $900 in cash sales. Importantly, because of the number of volunteers on hand to assist with Uniform Shop sales, every new family was able to speak one-on-one with a volunteer who could answer questions and provide information. Jim Murdoch noted that the success of Uniform Shop sales in recent times demonstrates the careful way in which the Uniform Shop Convenors planned stock levels. 5.2.2 Tuckshop Lee-Anne Kerr provided a written report, copy attached. Jim Murdoch noted that Lee-Anne had done a huge job in her time as Tuckshop Convenor, often in difficult circumstances. The school community is very grateful for her efforts. Jim proposed that the P&F s thanks be formally recognised by acclamation. 2
5.2.3 Grants Anthony Walsh noted that there were three more available grants in 2015 which may be appropriate for school projects: The next round of the Gambling Community Benefit Fund Anthony to meet with Gerald to discuss suitable projects Cadbury Fundraising Grant may be suitable for the school garden BCC Cultivating Community Gardens Grant may be suitable for the school garden Anthony and Paula have set out a calendar of potential grants schemes for 2015. Anthony noted that Catherine Murdoch and Sister Teresa had identified an appropriate freezer for Meals from the Heart, which would cost approximately $1200. We had initially estimated the cost at approximately $800. Anthony to enquire if the additional cost is acceptable. Jim Murdoch thanked Anthony Walsh and Paula Robbins for their efforts in 2015. 5.2.4 Gardening Club Kelly Turfrey provided a written report, copy attached. In particular: Some of the garden produce had been attacked by crows Kelly has some ideas for expanding the garden area to create a common space in which produce can be cooked and shared The current retaining walls are in bad shape and require attention Gerald Shegog to add this to the maintenance list Kelly thanked Greta Simpson for her dedication and constant hard work in the garden Madonna Whillans advised that $152 had been raised from the sale of produce from the garden. It was acknowledged that everyone involved with the Gardening Club has put a lot of work into creating a wonderful space which is enjoyed by all of the children. Jim Murdoch proposed that Kelly s report be received by acclamation in recognition of her hard work and dedication. 5.2.5 The Heart Ministries Catherine Murdoch provided a written report, copy attached. On behalf of our parent community, Catherine gives grateful thanks for the wonderful work of Sr Teresa Ekerick RSM in our school. 3
5.3 Other Reports 5.3.1 Sister Teresa Sister Teresa thanked Catherine Murdoch for her work with the Heart Ministries, and welcomed Colleen Ryan who will be assisting with the Heart Ministries in 2015. Sister Teresa acknowledged the generosity of the Brisbane Sisters of Mercy who have contributed funds to the Heart Ministries to assist with that work. If anyone knows of a family or individual who requires assistance, Sister Teresa has vouchers which can be distributed. Sister Teresa reported a good year in counselling. This year there have been many parents going to see her with their children, which is very important because parents can go away and help their children with the skills being taught. Sister Teresa hopes that the skills the children have learned in 2014 will support them through the holidays so that they can continue to be built upon in 2015. Many thanks for support during the year. 6. OTHER BUSINESS 6.1 Church roof restoration fund Jim Murdoch reported that the P&F had received a letter from Sandgate Brighton Parish dated 4 November 2014, requesting assistance with the church roof restoration fund, copy attached. Jim advised the meeting that he is a member of the Parish Finance Committee. Jim noted the following: Since his arrival, Father Modestus has been working to improve the financial position of the parish, such that it is now meeting day to day expenses. The parish has two significant debts: a loan which was obtained to refurbish the Brighton hall so that it can be used for OSHC, and a loan which was obtained to create a useable OSHC for Sacred Heart after the previous premises were found to be unsafe and containing asbestos. Both Sacred Heart Church and The Church of the Real Presence require roof restoration work to be conducted. The parish has received a quote of $50,000 to conduct basic repairs at both churches, which is becoming time critical as summer approaches and storms are forecast. Fundraising during the year has raised approximately $13,000 to date. Father Modestus asked the Parish Finance Committee for assistance and a fundraising dinner has been organised for 15 November 2014, which is expected to raise approximately $5,000. After the dinner, the Parish will be still approximately $32,000 short of what is required to conduct the basic roof repairs. Father Modestus has now approached the P&F Associations of both Sacred Heart School and St Kieran s requesting assistance. Discussion was held regarding this matter. There is currently $69,125 in the P&F accounts and in 2014 approximately $50,000 was donated to the school for IT expenses, the girls space, walls, resources etc. 4
There is the opportunity for the P&F to make a significant contribution, for example half of the outstanding amount, however there is an opportunity cost which is not having these funds available to contribute to the school next year. This is a good opportunity for the school and Parish to work together, the Church is a valuable part of the school. The Sacred Heart Church building is Heritage Listed, the Brighton Church building isn t. Investigations have been conducted to see if funds can be obtained to assist with repairs due to the Sacred Heart Heritage status, but these investigations have not been successful. Counsellor Victoria Newton has suggested that the repair of the stained glass window could be a project suitable for the Council Heritage Grant Scheme. It was suggested that the Parish approach organisations such as Stratco and Blue Steel to see if they would donate materials. Moved: Madonna Whillans Seconded: Raeleigh Waddell that the P&F contribute $15,000 towards the cost of the church roof repairs. All in favour. Carried. Note: After the meeting, in separate correspondence, Jim and Catherine Murdoch advised that the fundraising dinner was most successful and raised $11,581.90. By way of letter addressed to the P&F dated 20 November 2014 (copy attached), Father Modestus expressed his thanks, and that of the wider Parish, for the P&F s generous donation. 6.2 Prayer Garden update Gerald Shegog presented a Power-point with some ideas for the Prayer Garden. The Prayer Garden will be a place of spirituality for the Past, Present and Future students of our community. It is a whole school project that reflects the charism and key message of our school. It will be a place of prayer and worship, a meeting place for retreats and a place for quiet moments with God The area chosen for the project is the garden at the top end of the grounds looking over the lagoon with its magnificent backdrop of bushland. The project is planned to be led by a team of volunteers from staff of the school including the APRE and Visual Arts specialist. Classes will be asked to design a mosaic piece that describes what is it that makes Sacred Heart o A special place? o A welcoming place? o A happy place? o A caring place? With the support of the Integrated Arts each class will design and make a glass mosaic disc depicting the charism and unique story of the school. This is an ongoing project which will extend through 2015 and into 2016. Anthony Walsh noted that, as the project has a long lead time, it may be worthwhile exploring available grants such as the Gambling Community Benefit Fund Grant Scheme. 7. MEETING CLOSE Jim Murdoch thanked the P&F for their efforts over the year and wished the incoming P&F Executive team well in 2015. 5
Jacqui McKeering thanked Jim Murdoch and Scott Watson for their efforts over the past few years which saw a number of large projects to completion. Date of next General Meeting: Tuesday 10 February 2015 Meeting closed 8:15pm. 6